Mounting of fiber optic cable assemblies within fiber optic shelf assemblies

ABSTRACT

Fiber optic shelf assemblies and furcation mounting structures for securing a plurality of furcation bodies of respective fiber optic cable assembles within the fiber optic shelf are disclosed. In one embodiment, the fiber optic shelf has a one-to-one correspondence between a plurality of respective modules and the respective fiber optic cable assemblies. Additionally, the fiber optic shelf assemblies and furcation mounting structures disclosed advantageously allow the mounting of a relatively large number of furcation bodies within the fiber optic shelf assembly for supporting relatively large fiber optic connections per 1U rack space.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a Divisional of co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/488,443 filed on Jun. 19, 2009 and entitled“Clip For Securing a Fiber Optic Cable Assembly and AssociatedAssemblies”, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,945,136, which is incorporated hereinby reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Disclosure

The technology of the disclosure relates to the mounting of fiber opticcable assemblies within fiber optic shelf assemblies and the like.

2. Technical Background

Benefits of optical fiber use include extremely wide bandwidth and lownoise operation. Because of these advantages, optical fiber isincreasingly being used for a variety of applications, including but notlimited to broadband voice, video, and data transmission. As a result,fiber optic communications networks include a number of interconnectionpoints at which multiple optical fibers are interconnected.

Fiber optic installations such as data centers, local-area networks(LAN) and the like route fiber optic cables to fiber optic equipment toestablish optical connections. For instance, the fiber optic cables maybe installed by pulling fiber optic cables to the equipment in cableruns under the floor, in the ceiling, or riser locations, etc.Preconnectorized fiber optic cable assemblies are typically furcated toseparate out individual or groups of optical fibers for making opticalconnections at the fiber optic equipment. The cable assembly typicallyincludes a furcation assembly near an end of the cable assembly wherethe optical fibers are split from the fiber optic cable. The furcationassembly includes a furcation body or plug that is usually secured suchas on the outside of the housing for positioning, inhibiting damage, andstrain relief. However, high-density fiber optic equipment designs maynot be possible due to the inability of the fiber optic equipment tosupport a sufficient density of furcation assemblies.

Further, many of furcation assembly securing techniques can be simplefasteners, such tape, a Ty-Wraps®, or Velcro® as examples, and can beused to fasten the furcation assembly to the fiber optic equipment.However, these securing techniques may not be easily integrated intofiber optic equipment and/or not securely mount the furcation assembly.Also, if changes or reconfigurations of fiber optic cables or opticalconnections in already installed fiber optic equipment are necessary, itmay be cumbersome to detach installed furcation assemblies and reattachthem to the fiber optic equipment. Further, these securing techniquesmay affect the stability and strength of the furcation assemblyattachment to fiber optic equipment, including the ability of thefurcation plug to withstand lateral and rotational forces.

SUMMARY OF THE DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed are fiber optic shelf assemblies and furcation mountingstructures for securing a plurality of furcation bodies of respectivefiber optic cable assembles within the fiber optic shelf. In oneembodiment, the fiber optic shelf has a one-to-one correspondencebetween a plurality of respective modules and the respective fiber opticcable assemblies. By way of example, twelve furcation bodies of twelverespective fiber optic cable assemblies are secured within the fiberoptic shelf and each fiber optic cable assembly is connected to arespective module. The concepts disclosed allow for securing relativelylarge numbers of furcation bodies within the fiber optic shelf assemblywhile advantageously allowing easy access, organization, and portmapping for the craft.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description present embodiments of the invention,and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understandingthe nature and character of the invention as it is claimed. Theaccompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding ofthe invention, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of thisspecification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments of theinvention, and together with the description serve to explain theprinciples and operation of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views of explanatory fiber optic cableassemblies secured to a mounting surface of an exemplary fiber opticshelf assembly;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an explanatory fiber optic cableassembly illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a clip for securing the fiber opticcable assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a portion of the fiber optic cableassembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 illustrates multiple fiber optic cable assemblies of FIG. 2installed on the mounting surface of the fiber optic shelf assembly ofFIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another exemplary fiber optic cableassembly with attachment features integrated into the furcation body;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a fiber optic cable assembly similar toFIG. 5 without securing devices disposed in the attachment features;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of fiber optic cable assemblies of FIGS. 5and 6 secured to a mounting surface of an exemplary fiber optic shelfassembly;

FIG. 8 illustrates a close-up view of FIG. 7 illustrating the fiberoptic cable assemblies of FIGS. 5 and 6 secured to a mounting surface ofan exemplary fiber optic shelf assembly;

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate front views of alternate furcation bodieshaving different cross-sectional shapes;

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate side and bottom perspective views,respectively, of another exemplary fiber optic cable assembly;

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of another exemplary fiber opticcable assembly;

FIG. 12A illustrates a perspective view of another exemplary fiber opticcable assembly;

FIGS. 12B-12D illustrate side, front, and bottom views, respectively, ofthe fiber optic cable assembly of FIG. 12A;

FIG. 13 illustrates multiple fiber optic cable assemblies of FIGS.12A-12D installed on a mounting surface of a fiber optic shelf assembly;

FIGS. 14A and 14B respectively illustrate another exemplary fiber opticcable assembly and a securing device;

FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate another exemplary fiber optic cableassembly;

FIG. 15C illustrates exemplary securing devices for the fiber opticcable assembly of FIGS. 15A and 15B;

FIGS. 16A-16C depicts various views of another clip for securing a fiberoptic cable assembly;

FIG. 16D depicts a perspective view of the clip of FIGS. 16A-16Creceiving a portion of the fiber optic cable assembly therein;

FIGS. 16E-16F depict perspective bottom views of the clip of FIGS.16A-16C being secured to a mounting surface;

FIG. 16G is a perspective view of a clip similar to the clip of FIGS.16A-16C which can secure a plurality of fiber optic cable assemblies;

FIG. 17 is a rear perspective view of an exemplary fiber optic shelfassembly having a furcation management assembly;

FIG. 18 is a close-up view of the furcation management assembly of FIG.17 in a closed position;

FIGS. 19 and 20 are different perspective close-up views of thefurcation management assembly of FIG. 17 in an open position;

FIG. 21 illustrates a rear perspective view of an alternate exemplaryfiber optic shelf assembly having an alternate furcation managementassembly;

FIG. 22 illustrates a top view of the furcation tray disposed in thefiber optic shelf assembly of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 illustrates a furcation platform provided in the fiber opticshelf assembly of FIG. 21;

FIG. 24 illustrates the furcation platform of FIG. 23 disposed as anappendage to the fiber optic shelf assembly of FIG. 21;

FIG. 25 illustrates a side view of the fiber optic shelf assembly ofFIG. 21 including an additional top furcation tray;

FIG. 26 is a side view of the fiber optic shelf assembly of FIG. 21providing top, bottom, and intermediate furcation trays; and

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the fiber optic shelf assembly of FIG.26 with the intermediate furcation tray translated out from the fiberoptic shelf assembly.

FIGS. 28-30 depict a various views of another alternate furcationmanagement assembly mounted in a fiber optic shelf assembly.

FIGS. 31A-31D are perspective views of clips for securing furcationbodies of fiber optic cable assemblies.

FIG. 32 depicts a rear perspective view of a fiber optic shelf assemblyhaving a plurality of furcation bodies of fiber optic cable assembliessecured therein.

FIGS. 33 and 33A respectively schematically represent a fiber opticshelf assembly and rack for mounting fiber optic shelf assemblies.

FIGS. 34-37 depict rear perspective views of various fiber optic shelfassemblies having a plurality of furcation bodies of fiber optic cableassemblies secured therein.

FIG. 38 depicts an explanatory furcation management structure for use insuitable fiber optic shelf assemblies.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention areshown. Indeed, the invention may be embodied in many different forms andshould not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein;rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure willsatisfy applicable legal requirements. Whenever possible, like referencenumbers will be used to refer to like components or parts.

Certain embodiments disclosed in the detailed description include fiberoptic cable assemblies having a fiber optic cable and a furcation body.Specifically, the fiber optic cable is received into the furcation bodyand furcated into one or more legs that exit the furcation body forrouting to desired locations. An anti-rotation feature may be integratedinto the furcation body for inhibiting rotation of the furcation bodywhen mounted in or to fiber optic equipment. As used herein,“anti-rotation feature” means one or more generally planar surfacesdisposed on the furcation body for abutting with at least onecomplementary planar mounting surface. An attachment feature which maybe a separate component or integrated with the furcation body inhibitslateral movement and/or rotation of the furcation body when secured inposition.

In this regard, FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate front perspective views ofexplanatory fiber optic equipment in the form of a fiber optic shelfassembly 10. The fiber optic shelf assembly 10 allows mounting of one ormore fiber optic cable assemblies 12 thereto. As used herein, fiberoptic shelf assembly may be any suitable structure for mounting one ormore fiber optic cable assemblies disclosed herein. Several fiber opticshelf assemblies, housings, or the like are typically mounted to anequipment rack (not shown), thereby creating a centralized location forfiber interconnections. As shown, fiber optic cable assemblies 12 areattached to the rear portion 14 of the fiber optic shelf assembly 10 inthe form of a fiber optic tray 16. The fiber optic tray 16. In thisexample, the fiber optic tray 16 has a 1 U size (i.e., 1.75 inches inheight) and supports a fiber optic adapter module 18, but the conceptsdisclosed herein may be used with any suitable mounting surface.Although the fiber optic shelf assembly is depicted as a 1-U any size orconfiguration is possible such as 4-U or vertical arrangement.

To establish fiber optic connections to the fiber optic adapter module18, connections are made to one or more fiber optic adapters (notvisible) disposed in a rear panel 20 of the fiber optic adapter module18. In this regard, one or more fiber optic cables 22 of fiber opticcable assemblies 12 are pulled and routed to the fiber optic tray 16.The fiber optic tray 16 in FIG. 1A contains openings 24A, 24B disposedon each side of the rear portion 14 of the fiber optic tray 16 and anopening 25 in the rear portion 14 to allow the fiber optic cables 22 tobe routed into the rear portion 14 of the fiber optic tray 16. Fiberoptic cable assemblies 12 include one or more furcation bodies 26 havinga desired number of furcated legs 28 exiting the same. The furcated legs28 may be of any shape, including but not limited to round orrectangular. The furcations of the fiber optic cables 22 may beperformed by the cable manufacturer in a factory setting before routingthe fiber optic cable assembly 12 to the fiber optic tray 16. Thefurcated legs 28 are typically connectorized with fiber optic connectors(FIG. 17) for connecting with fiber optic adapters (not visible) or thelike in the rear panel 20 of the fiber optic adapter module 18, therebyestablishing fiber optic connections.

Also, as illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the fiber optic cableassemblies 12 are secured to the fiber optic shelf assembly 10;specifically, the fiber optic cable assemblies 12 are secured to thefiber optic tray 16, and particularly to the rear portion 14. Securingthe fiber optic cable assemblies 12 to the fiber optic tray 16 preventsor reduces the chance of bending or damage to the fiber optic cables 22and the optical fibers therein due to forces applied to the fiber opticcable assemblies 12. In this regard, as will be discussed in thisapplication, the furcation body 26 may include at least oneanti-rotation feature that is integrated therewith for inhibitingrotational forces on the furcation body 26 when installed in the fiberoptic shelf assembly 10 or other suitable location. The furcation body26 may also include one or more attachment features to inhibit lateralmovement of the furcation body 26 when installed in the fiber opticshelf assembly 10.

As shown, the furcation bodies 26 of fiber optic cable assemblies 12 aresecured to a mounting surface 30 formed in the rear portion 14 of thefiber optic tray 16. Because the fiber optic cables 22 are received inrespective furcation bodies 26 and securely attached therein, securingof the respective furcation bodies 26 to the mounting surface 30 securesthe respective fiber optic cables 22 to the fiber optic shelf assembly10. In FIG. 1A, the fiber optic cables 22 are routed through theopenings 24A, 24B. The furcation bodies 26 are mounted to the mountingsurface 30 of the fiber optic tray 16 substantially parallel to the rearportion 14 of the fiber optic tray 16 since routing the fiber opticcables 22 through the openings 24A, 24B naturally aligns the furcationbody 26 substantially parallel to the rear portion 14. However, asillustrated in FIG. 1B, the furcation body 26 can also be mounted to themounting surface 30 of the fiber optic tray 16 in an orientationsubstantially orthogonal to the rear portion 14. Of course, any suitableorientation is possible for the furcation body 26.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the furcation bodies 26 are mounted to themounting surface 30 such that the furcation bodies 26 do not extendabove a top plane 31 of the fiber optic tray 16. In this manner, thefurcation bodies 26 are mounted in a low profile manner to the mountingsurface 30. Consequently, the furcation bodies 26 do not interfere withadditional fiber optic shelf assemblies and/or trays being stacked ontop of the fiber optic tray 16. Additionally, as will be described ingreater detail in this application, the mounting surface 30 contains aseries of pre-defined apertures 32 that are configured to receive anattachment feature of the furcation body 26 for securing the furcationbody 26 to the mounting surface 30. The apertures 32 are formed inmounting surface 30 by any suitable manner such as stamped, pre-drilled,or the like.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the fiber optic cable 22 is received in afirst end 40 of a furcation body 26. The furcation body 26 may beconstructed out of plastic, metal, composite, and the like as examples.The fiber optic cable 22 is received along a longitudinal axis A₁ of thefurcation body 26. The fiber optic cable 22 is furcated inside thefurcation body 26 into a plurality of furcated legs 28 extending from asecond end 44 of the furcation body 26 opposite the first end 40 of thefurcation body 26. In this embodiment, an end cap 45 is secured to thefurcation body 26 on the first end 40 of the furcation body 26 to coverthe epoxy placed inside the furcation body 26 to secure the furcationtherein. The end cap 45 is secured to the furcation body 26 via a latchopening 47 designed to receive a latch finger 49 disposed in thefurcation body 26. The same latch structure may also be disposed on theopposite (i.e., bottom) side of the end cap 45 and furcation body 26,which is not shown in FIG. 2. In other embodiments, the furcation bodymay have a flexible boot for providing strain relief to the cableassembly.

Also in this example, the furcation body 26 is comprised of four (4)main outer surfaces 46A-46D to provide an anti-rotation featureintegrated in the furcation body 26. The four outer surfaces 46A-46D aresubstantially planar surfaces that extend along a portion of the lengthL₁ of the furcation body 26 substantially parallel to the longitudinalaxis A₁ of the furcation body 26. The four outer surfaces 46A-46D arearranged orthogonally or substantially orthogonally to each other toform a rectangular-shaped furcation body 26 having a rectangular-shapedcross-section. Each outer surface 46A-46D contains a substantiallyplanar surface such that when the furcation body 26 is placed on themounting surface 30, one of the substantially planar outer surfaces46A-46D abuts with the mounting surface 30. In this regard, one of thesubstantially planar outer surfaces 46A-46D abutted against the mountingsurface 30 provides an anti-rotation feature for the furcation body 26.As discussed above, the anti-rotation feature means that one or moregenerally planar surfaces are provided in a furcation body for abuttingwith at least one complementary planar surface for inhibiting rotationof the furcation body with respect to a substantially planar mountingsurface (e.g., a flat surface); however, the anti-rotation featureexcludes a bracket that is removably attached to the furcation body witha fastener such as a screw or the like.

Note that furcation body 26 may only contain one substantially planarouter surface instead of four substantially planar outer surfaces46A-46D. Providing four substantially planar outer surfaces 46A-46D inthe furcation body 26 of FIG. 2 allows the furcation body 26 to beabutted with the mounting surface 30 in any suitable orientation desired(i.e., a low-stress state). In other words, any one of the foursubstantially planar surfaces may abut with the mounting surface,thereby allowing mounting of the cable assembly in more than onerotational position. If only one substantially planar outer surface isprovided in the furcation body 26, or less than all orientations orouter surfaces of the furcation body 26, the furcation body 26 may haveto be arranged in a specific orientation so that a substantially planarsurface of the furcation body 26 abuts with the mounting surface 30.

The fiber optic cable assembly 12 in FIG. 2 provides a first embodimentof an attachment feature 48 to secure the furcation body 26 to themounting surface 30. An attachment feature facilitates attachment orsecuring of a furcation assembly to a mounting surface. In thisembodiment, the attachment feature 48 is provided in the form of adiscrete attachment bracket or clip 50. Clip 50 is shown as beingdisposed about the furcation body 26 in FIG. 2 and shown separately fromthe furcation body 26 in FIGS. 3A and 3B. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and3A-3B, the clip 50 is comprised of an outer shell 52 comprised of three(3) orthogonally or substantially orthogonally arranged surfaces54A-54C. A cavity 56 is formed inside the outer shell 52 such that theclip 50 can be placed or cradled around the furcation body 26 in anysuitable orientation. The clip 50 may be made out of plastic, metal,composite, and the like as examples. Additionally, the clip may have amarking indica such as a label, markable surface, color code, etc. sothat the craft can quickly identify the cable assembly within the fiberoptic equipment.

To prepare the furcation body 26 to be secured to the mounting surface30, the clip 50 is placed over the furcation body 26. In particular,three outer surfaces 46A, 46B, 46D of the furcation body 26 are receivedinside the cavity 56 of the clip 50. The surfaces 54A, 54C containinward curled portions 57 that cradle around the substantially planarsurface 46C of the furcation body 26 to secure the clip 50 about thefurcation body 26.

The furcation body 26 may also include a notched portion 55 (FIG. 3B)having length L₂ that is about the same length or longer than the lengthL₃ of the clip 50. As used herein, “notched portion” means a portion ofa furcation body that has a different cross sectional area or differentcross-sectional geometry for cooperating with an attachment feature. Inthis manner, the clip 50 is configured to fit within the notched portion55 of the furcation body 26 when placed about the furcation body 26.Providing a notched portion 55 in the furcation body 26 provides abiased position for the clip 50 to attach to the furcation body 26. Thismay further promote stability of the furcation body 26 attachment to themounting surface 30. The notched portion 55 forces the clip 50 to beplaced between the first and second ends 40, 44 of the furcation body 26for greater stability and to be more resistant to rotational forces.Further, the notched portion 55 inhibits the furcation body 26 frombeing pulled from the clip 50 when a pulling force is applied to thefiber optic cable 22 of the fiber optic cable assembly 12. The pullingforce will cause the top surface MB of the clip 50 to abut with endportions 61A, 61B of the notched portion 55 depending on whether thepulling force is asserted on the furcated legs 28 or the fiber opticcable 22. However, providing a notched portion 55 in the furcation body26 is not required for the concepts disclosed herein.

Additionally, furcation body 26 has an inner cavity that has a generallyrectangular or square cross-section (i.e., conforms with the generallyrectangular or square outer profile of the furcation body), therebyproviding corners in the inner cavity for easily depositing epoxytherein for securing the same. Likewise, furcation bodies with othershapes besides round can also have an inner cavity with corner such as atriangular or pentagon cross-section that makes the cavity easier tofill with epoxy.

In order to secure the clip 50 to the mounting surface 30, which in turnsecures the furcation body 26 to the mounting surface 30, one or moresecuring devices 58A, 58B are disposed in the clip 50. As will bedescribed, the securing devices 58A, 58B secure the clip 50 to themounting surface 30, which in turn secures the furcation body 26 to themounting surface 30. In this embodiment, the securing devices 58A, 58Binteract with attachment platforms 59A, 59B that extend from the clip50. The attachment platforms 59A, 59B provide surfaces for the securingdevices to pin the attachment feature such as clip 50 to the mountingsurface 30, thereby securing the clip 50 and furcation body 26 to themounting surface 30, as illustrated in FIG. 1.

In this example, the securing devices 58A, 58B include push latchmechanisms in the form of plungers 60A, 60B. Because there are two (2)attachment platforms 59A, 59B extending from the clip 50, two plungers60A, 60B are provided. The plungers 60A, 60B are inserted withinattachment platform orifices 62A, 62B disposed in the attachmentplatforms 59A, 59B. Thus, when the plungers 60A, 60B are placed overapertures 32 in the mounting surface 30 of the fiber optic tray 16 inFIG. 1 and pushed downward, flexing members 64A, 64B expand tocompressibly fit inside the apertures 32, thereby securing theattachment feature such as clip 50 to the mounting surface 30 along withthe furcation body 26. To release the furcation body 26 from themounting surface 30, the plungers 60A, 60B are pulled and released fromthe apertures 32 in the mounting surface 30 for releasing the clip 50from the mounting surface 30.

Although not limiting to the invention, the fiber optic cable assembly12 of FIGS. 2-3B also provides a low profile attachment structure forthe furcation body 26 such that no intermediate securing devices orstructures, such as standoffs, are provided between the furcation body26 and the mounting surface 30. This feature minimizes the standoffheight of the furcation body 26 from the mounting surface 30. In thisembodiment, the attachment feature 48 of the fiber optic cable assembly12 is provided such that the furcation bodies 26 are not located abovethe top plane 31 of the fiber optic tray 16 when installed, as discussedabove. The furcation body 26 may be mounted directly to the mountingsurface 30 without intermediate attachment devices or standoffs suchthat the tops of the furcation body 26, when installed, do not extendbeyond the top plane 31 of the fiber optic tray 16. Further, by locatingthe center of gravity of the furcation body 26 closer to the mountingsurface 30, greater strength and stability may be established betweenthe furcation body 26 and the mounting surface 30.

In the clip 50 illustrated in FIGS. 2-3B, the attachment platforms 59A,59B are provided as part of a one piece mold of the clip 50. However,the attachment platforms 59A, 59B may be provided as separate pieces ormaterials attached to the clip 50. Also securing devices 58A, 58B in theform of the plungers 60A, 60B are retained within the attachmentplatforms 59A, 59B such that they remain with the clip 50; however, thesecuring devices 58A, 58B do not have to be retained with the clip 50.The securing devices 58A, 58B may be any type of fastener, including butnot limited to a screw, dowel pin, rivet, etc., that is inserted intothe attachment platform orifices 62A, 62B to secure the attachmentplatforms 59A, 59B to the mounting surface 30. Additionally, even thoughthe substantially planar surfaces 54A-54C that comprise the clip 50 areprovided in a shape that is substantially in the same form as the outersurfaces 46A-D of the furcation body 26, such does not have to be thecase. By way of example, clip 50 should merely fit around at least aportion of the furcation body 26 for retaining the furcation body 26when the clip 50 is secured to the mounting surface 30.

FIG. 4 illustrates a plurality of the furcation bodies 26(1)-26(7)attached to a mounting surface 30 to secure a plurality of fiber opticcable assemblies 12 to the mounting surface 30. A plurality of clips50(1)-50(7) are also provided for securing the furcation bodies26(1)-26(7) to the mounting surface 30. The furcation bodies 26(1)-26(7)may vary in size as illustrated. It is assumed for the purposes of thisdiscussion that the mounting surface is the mounting surface 30 of thefiber optic tray 16 in FIG. 1. However, the mounting surface may belocated on any suitable mounting surface of any type of fiber opticequipment.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the apertures 32 are shown as being providedin the mounting surface 30 to receive the clips 50(1)-50(7), and moreparticularly the plungers 60A, 60B disposed in each of the attachmentplatforms 59A, 59B in each of the clips 50(1)-50(7). The apertures 32 onthe mounting surface 30 may be arranged in a grid type fashion in rowsand columns, or in any other suitable arrangement. To secure a furcationbody 26 to the mounting surface 30, the furcation body 26 is placed inthe desired location on the mounting surface 30. Thereafter, the clip 50is placed over top the furcation body 26 such that a portion of thefurcation body 26 is cradled within the cavity 56 of the clip 50. Theclip 50 and cradled furcation body 26 are then placed on the mountingsurface 30 such that the attachment platforms 59A, 59B and theirplungers 60A, 60B are aligned with respective apertures 32 on themounting surface 30. The plungers 60A, 60B are then inserted into theapertures 32 for securing the attachment platforms 59A, 59B ofrespective clips onto the mounting surface 30, thereby securing thefurcation body 26 to the mounting surface 30. The plungers are alsoadvantageous since they provide a quick and easy removable of thefurcation body for reconfiguring, reorganizing, removing, etc.

One advantage to securing the furcation body 26 directly to the mountingsurface is to reduce or minimize any rotational forces translated to thefurcated legs 28 from a rotational force applied to the fiber opticcable 22. By way of example, the attachment platforms 59A, 59B aredisposed on each side of the clip 50. Thus, regardless of whichdirection a rotational force is applied to the fiber optic cable 22, thesecuring of the attachment platforms 59A, 59B to the mounting surface 30will inhibit rotational movement of the furcation body 26 about themounting surface 30. The attachment platforms 59A, 59B are also providedon opposing ends of the clip 50. In particular, the attachment platform59B is provided in the clip 50 such that it is adjacent the first end 40of the furcation body 26 when the clip 50 is installed on the furcationbody 26. The attachment platform 59A is provided in the clip 50 suchthat it is adjacent the second end 44 of the furcation body 26 when theclip 50 is installed on the furcation body 26. This arrangement of theclip 50 providing symmetrically opposed securing devices 58A, 58B is notonly resistant to rotational forces to provide an anti-rotationalfeature, but it also provides the ability to provide a greater densityof furcation body 26 adjacent to each other on the mounting surface 30as shown in FIG. 4. Other embodiments of the clip can include more thantwo attachment platforms such as having four attachment platformsdisposed on opposite ends and opposite sides such as shown in FIGS. 31Band 31C.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the attachment platform orifices 62A, 62Bdisposed in each attachment platform 59A, 59B that receive the plungers60A, 60B for the attachment feature 48 are each aligned along alongitudinal axis. In particular, as illustrated for the clip 50(1), theattachment platform 59A is aligned along longitudinal axis A₂ and theattachment platform 59B is aligned along longitudinal axis A₃. Thedistance between the adjacent apertures 32 disposed in the mountingsurface 30 is designed to be compatible with the distance L₄ between thelongitudinal axes A₂ and A₃ of the attachment platform orifices 62A, 62Bin the clip 50. In this embodiment, the distance L₄ is approximately31.9 millimeters (mm), but any desired distance can be provided that iscompatible with the attachment platforms 59A, 59B and apertures 32.

For example, if the apertures 32 were arranged in columns that were eachaligned along the same longitudinal axes without offset (e.g., if A₂ andA₄ were aligned on the same longitudinal axis), the distance between thecenter axes (e.g., A₂ and A₂′) in the attachment platform orifices 62A,62B of the furcation body 26(1)-26(7) would be provided to be the sameas the distance between such adjacent apertures 32. Also, a largerfurcation body 26 could be accommodated by providing a clip 50 where thedistance between the center axes of the attachment platform orifices62A, 62B span over more than one row and/or column of apertures 32 aslong as the distance is a multiple of the distance between adjacent rowsand/or columns of the apertures 32 (e.g., L_(4′) and L₅).

The longitudinal axis A₄ of an adjacent attachment platform 59B of theclip 50(2) may also be located in the same longitudinal axis A₂ of theattachment platform 59A of clip 50(1) or located a distance away asillustrated in FIG. 4. Providing a distance between the longitudinalaxes A₂, A₄ affects finger access between the furcation bodies26(1)-26(7). Reducing the distance between the longitudinal axes (e.g.,A₂, A₄) between attachment platforms 59A, 59B in adjacent clips 50allows a greater density of clips 50 to be disposed in a given area ofthe mounting surface 30. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 4, theattachment platforms 59A, 59B in a given clip 50 are disposed alongdifferent latitudinal axes A₅ and A₆ a distance L₅ away from each other.This provides for the attachment platforms 59A, 59B and plungers 60A,60B disposed therein to be arranged symmetrically opposed to each other.In this same regard, the distance between the adjacent rows of apertures32 disposed in the mounting surface 30 is designed to be compatible withthe distance L₅ between the latitudinal axes A₅ and A₆ of the attachmentplatforms 59A, 59B in the clip 50. In this embodiment, the distance L₅is approximately 30 millimeters, but any suitable distance desired canbe provided that is compatible with the attachment platforms 59A, 59Band apertures 32. Further, the rows of apertures 32 are aligned alonglatitudinal axes (e.g., A₅ and A₆) without offset between adjacentapertures 32 in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4. However, an offsetcould be provided similar to the offset provided between adjacentapertures 32 aligned in the longitudinal axes (e.g., A₂ and A₄).

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the distance between adjacentapertures 32 aligned in the longitudinal axes (e.g., along A₂ andA_(2′), and distance L_(4′)) is not the same as the distance betweenadjacent apertures 32 aligned in the latitudinal axes (e.g., along A₅and A₆ and distance L₅). However, if the apertures 32 were provided suchthat these distances were the same or approximately the same, thefurcation bodies 26(1)-26(7) could be rotated in any increment of ninety(90) degrees and the attachment platform orifices 62A, 62B align withapertures 32 in the mounting surface 30.

Other fiber optic cable assemblies having different furcation assembliesand attachment features are also possible in addition to thoseillustrated and described in FIGS. 2-4. By way of example, FIG. 5illustrates another fiber optic cable assembly 70 that may be employedfor providing furcation of a fiber optic cable. In a similar regard, thefiber optic cable assembly 70 of FIG. 5 may also be employed in thefiber optic tray 16 of FIG. 1, thereby securing the fiber optic cableassembly 70 to the mounting surface 30 in the rear portion 14 of thefiber optic tray 16. The fiber optic cable assembly 70 of FIG. 5 iscomprised of a furcation body 72 receiving the fiber optic cable 22 on afirst end 74 along a longitudinal axis A₇ of the same. The fiber opticcable 22 is furcated inside a passage 78 extending through the furcationbody 72 between the first end 74 and a second end 80 of the furcationbody 72. One of more furcated legs 28 extend from the passage 78 at thesecond end 80 where they can be routed to various fiber optic componentsor equipment to make fiber optic connections. In this embodiment, an endcap 79 is provided on the second end 80 of the furcation body 72 thatcontains one or more orifices 77 disposed therethrough to receiveindividual furcated legs 28.

Similar to the furcation body 26 of FIG. 2, the furcation body 72 ofFIG. 5 contains a substantially planar surface 82, thereby providing ananti-rotation feature integrated with the furcation body 72. Thesubstantially planar surface 82 extends along the entire length L₅ ofthe furcation body 72 substantially parallel to the longitudinal axisA₇. The substantially planar surface 82 is configured to be abutted withthe mounting surface 30 to provide an integrated anti-rotation featurein the furcation body 72. The substantially planar surface 82 abuts witha complementary planar mounting surface 30 for inhibiting rotation ofthe furcation body 72 with respect to a mounting surface 30. However,unlike the furcation body 26 of FIG. 2, the furcation body 72 of FIG. 5includes an arched surface 81 adjacent and attached to the substantiallyplanar surface 82. In this manner, the furcation body 72 istunnel-shaped.

Further, similar to the furcation body 26 of FIG. 2, the furcation body72 of FIG. 5 also contains attachment features 83A, 83B. However, theattachment features 83A, 83B are integrated into the furcation body 72and located contiguous with the substantially planar surface 82. Theattachment features 83A, 83B are provided in the form of attachmentplatforms 84A, 84B disposed on each side of the furcation body 72 tofacilitate attaching the furcation body 72 to the mounting surface 30.The attachment platforms 84A, 84B are provided as part of the furcationbody 72 such as molded therewith in this example. In this regard, eachattachment platform 84A, 84B includes attachment platform orifices 86A,86B disposed therein that are configured to receive securing devices forsecuring the furcation body 72 to the mounting surface 30. Thus, aseparate clip is not required for mounting fucation body 72.

However, like the embodiment of FIG. 2, the securing devices are used tosecure furcation body 72 to a suitable mounting surface. Specifically,attachment platforms 84A, 84B are configured to receive securing devicessuch as plungers 88A, 88B or other suitable securing devices. Theplungers 88A, 88B engage the attachment platform orifices 86A, 86B orother suitable structure. Specifically, the plungers 88A, 88B areinserted into appropriate apertures 32 of the mounting surface forsecuring the attachment platforms 84A, 84B to the mounting surface. As aresult, furcation body 72 is secured to the mounting surface with thesubstantially planar surface 82 abutting the same. The fiber optic cableassembly 70 of FIG. 5 provides the attachment features 83A, 83Bintegrated into the furcation body 72. It also provides a low profileattachment structure for the furcation body 72 such that no intermediatesecuring devices or structures, such as standoffs, are provided betweenthe furcation body 72 and the mounting surface to minimize the standoffheight of the furcation body 72 from the mounting surface. Like theclip, the furcation body may also have a marking indica such as a label,markable surface, color code, etc. so that the craft can quicklyidentify the cable assembly within the fiber optic equipment.

FIG. 6 also illustrates a furcation body 72′ that is similar tofurcation body 72 of FIG. 5. Furcation body 72′ includes attachmentplatforms 84A, 84B provided in the form of ear-shaped platforms that arerounded on their ends 90A, 90B. To provide greater support between theattachment platforms 84A, 84B one or more ribs 92A, 92B are provided.Additionally, like furcation body 26 of FIG. 2, the attachment platforms84A, 84B may be located on opposite sides 94A, 94B of the furcation body72′ and symmetrically opposed. Again, in this manner, the furcationbodies 72′ may be located adjacent to each other such that oneattachment platform orifice 86A from one furcation body 72′ will alignin the same or different longitudinal axes with another attachmentplatform orifice 86B of another furcation body 72′.

One reason to secure the furcation body directly to the mountingsurface, as provided in the fiber optic cable assembly of FIGS. 5 and 6,is to reduce or minimize any rotational forces translated to thefurcated legs 28 from a rotational force applied to the fiber opticcable 22. In this manner, the attachment platforms 84A, 84B are disposedon each side of the furcation body. Thus, regardless of which directiona rotational force is applied to the fiber optic cable 22, the securingof the attachment platforms 84A, 84B to the mounting surface willinhibit rotation of the furcation body about the mounting surface. Theattachment platforms 84A, 84B are also provided on opposing ends of thefurcation body. In particular, the attachment platform 84B is providedin the furcation body adjacent the first end of the furcation body andattachment platform 84A is provided in the furcation body adjacent thesecond end 80 of the furcation body. This arrangement providessymmetrically opposed attachment platforms 84A, 84B in the furcationbody and is not only resistant to rotational forces to provide ananti-rotational feature; but, also provides the ability to provide agreater density of furcation bodies adjacent to each other on themounting surface.

By way of example, FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate the furcation bodies 72secured on a mounting surface 30′ in a rear section 14′ of anotherexemplary fiber optic shelf assembly 10′ using attachment features. Likethe fiber optic shelf assembly 10 in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the fiber opticshelf assembly 10′ in FIG. 7 contains one or more fiber optic trays 16′that each contain one or more fiber optic adapter modules 18′. The fiberoptic cable assemblies 12′ are routed to the rear section 14′ of thefiber optic tray 16′ for optical connection to the fiber optic adaptermodules 18′. As shown in this embodiment, furcation bodies 72 aresecured to the mounting surface 30′ of the fiber optic shelf assembly10′ at an angled orientation with regard to the rear portion 14′.

FIG. 8 provides a close-up view of furcation bodies 72 attached to themounting surface 30′. As illustrated therein, the attachment platformorifices 86A, 86B disposed in respective attachment platforms 84A, 84Bof adjacent furcation bodies may be aligned along a common longitudinalaxis. In particular, the attachment platform orifice 86A for thefurcation body 72(1) is aligned along longitudinal axis A₈ and theattachment platform orifice 86B for the furcation body 72(1) is alignedalong longitudinal axis A₉. As shown, the attachment platform 84B forfurcation body 72(2) is located in the same longitudinal axis A₈ of theattachment platform 84A for the furcation body 72(1). By providing thesymmetrically opposed attachment platforms 84A, 84B in the furcationbodies, the two furcation bodies can be arranged on the mounting surface30′ closer to each other than would otherwise be possible if theattachment platforms 84A, 84B were not symmetrically opposed (i.e.,disposed in attachment platforms located directly across from eachother). Thus, this arrangement may facilitate higher densityarrangements for cable management in a fiber optic shelf assembly or thelike.

A furcation body having one or more anti-rotation features can takeother forms or arrangements as long as at least one substantially planarsurface is provided in the furcation body for abutting with at least onecomplementary planar mounting surface for inhibiting rotation of thefurcation body with respect to the mounting surface. FIGS. 9A and 9Bschematically depict alternate furcation bodies. As illustrated in FIG.9A, a triangular-shaped furcation body 90 is provided. In thisembodiment, the furcation body 90 is comprised of three substantiallyplanar surfaces 91A-91C arranged at approximately one-hundred and twenty(120) degree intervals with respect to each other. In other words, thefurcation body 90 is rotated about one-hundred and twenty degrees toadvance to the next substantially planar surface. Furcated legs (notshown) from a fiber optic cable can extend through an end cap 92provided on an end 93 of the furcation body 90. One or more attachmentfeatures may be provided for securing the furcation body 90 to amounting surface. In one embodiment, the attachment features 94 areprovided in the form of attachment platforms 95A, 95B integrated intothe furcation body 90 and configured to receive one or more securingdevices (not shown), similar to the attachment feature arrangementprovided in the furcation body of FIGS. 5 and 6, but this allows foronly one mounting orientation. If a clip or other similar attachmentfeature is used, then the fucation body can have a plurality of mountingorientations.

FIG. 9B illustrates a furcation body 96 having five substantially planarsurfaces 97A-97E arranged at approximately sixty (60) degree intervalswith respect to each other. Furcated legs (not shown) from a fiber opticcable can extend through an end cap 98 provided on an end 99 of thefurcation body 96. One or more attachment features may be provided forsecuring the furcation body 96 to a mounting surface. As depicted, theattachment features 100 are attachment platforms 101A, 101B integratedinto the furcation body 96 to receive one or more securing devices,similar to the attachment feature arrangement provided in the furcationbody 72 of FIGS. 5 and 6. Likewise, if a clip or other similarattachment feature is used, then the fucation body can have a pluralityof mounting orientations.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate a portion of another fiber optic cableassembly 102 that may be employed to provide furcation of the fiberoptic cable 22 into one or more furcated legs 28. As illustrated, thefiber optic cable assembly 102 comprises a furcation body 104. Thefurcation body 104 can be mounted to any suitable mounting surface. Thefurcation body 104 may also contain anti-rotation and attachmentfeatures, as will be described below. The furcation body 103 receives afiber optic cable 22 on a first end 106 of the furcation body 104 alonga longitudinal axis A₁₀ of the furcation body 104. An end cap 105 isattached to the furcation body 104, but other structures are possible.In this embodiment, end cap 105 snap-fits into furcation body 104 tosecure the same to the furcation body 104. However, a one-piece moldedfurcation body 104 without a separate end cap 105 is also possible.Additionally, the end cap or end portion may be flexible for providingstrain relief such as a boot. The fiber optic cable 22 extends into apassage 108 extending through the furcation body 104 from the first end106 of the furcation body 104 to a second end 110 of the furcation body104. One or more furcated legs 28 extend through the second end 110 ofthe furcation body 104. In this embodiment, the furcation body 104 has agenerally cylindrically-shaped body which contains a beveled surface 112at the first end 106.

An attachment feature 114 is provided to attach the furcation body 103to the mounting surface 30 that also includes an anti-rotation feature.As depicted, the attachment feature 114 is integrated into asubstantially planar surface 118 of the furcation body 104. As bestshown in FIG. 10B, the attachment feature 114 is provided in the form ofone or more T-shaped push latch mechanisms 120A, 120B (“push latches120A, 120B”) attached to the furcation body 104. The push latches 120A,120B are include attachment platforms 122A, 122B each having twosubstantially planar surfaces 123A, 123B to provide an integratedanti-rotation feature in the furcation body 104 located contiguous withthe attachment feature 114. The attachment platforms 122A, 122B areattached to the substantially planar surface 118. Respectively, eachsubstantially planar surface 123A, 123B of the attachment platforms122A, 122B is attached to outer support rails 124A, 124B extendinggenerally orthogonally to the attachment platform 122A, 122B. The outersupport rails 124A, 124B are adapted to engage with the furcation body104 to support and securably hold the the furcation body 104.

Latches 126A, 126B are integratedly formed into same mold piece as theouter support rails 124A, 124B, respectively, and extend from theattachment platforms 122A, 122B such that they are adapted to beinserted into apertures, thereby securing the cable assembly to themounting surface. In this manner, the latches 126A, 126B are biasedforward and contain shoulder structures 128A, 128B that flex inward tobe inserted into the apertures to attach the latches 126A, 126B and thusthe furcation body 103 onto the mounting surface. When the latches 126A,126B are inserted into apertures in the mounting surface, thesubstantially planar surfaces 123A, 123B abut with the mounting surfaceto provide an anti-rotation feature for the cable assembly. The latches126A, 126B are biased downward such that the shoulder structures 128A,128B cannot be pulled from the apertures unless the latches 126A, 126Bare compressed inward so that the shoulder structures 128A, 128B canpass through the apertures to release the furcation body 103 from themounting surface 30.

FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment of a fiber optic cable assembly130 that may be employed to secure a furcation body to a suitable fiberoptic shelf assembly. The fiber optic cable assembly 130 includes afurcation body 131 having an end cap 133 attached thereto. A latchingfinger 135 disposed in the furcation body 132 protrudes and interlockswith a latch orifice 137 disposed in the end cap 133 to secure the endcap 133 to the furcation body 132. However, a one-piece molded furcationbody 132 without a separate end cap 133 is also possible. The furcationbody 132 has a first end 134 for receiving a fiber optic cable 22 alonga longitudinal axis A₁₁ of the furcation body 132. A fiber optic cableis furcated inside a passage 136 disposed within the furcation body 132between the first end 134 and a second end 138 of the furcation body132. Once the fiber optic cable is furcated, one or more furcated legs28 extend from the second end 138 to be connected to fiber opticcomponents.

In order to secure the furcation body 132 to a mounting surface, thefurcation body 132 has a substantially planar surface 126 disposed onits bottom wherein a plurality of support members 144 are attached. Thefurcation body 132 is integrally molded with support members 144 thatsupport the furcation body 132. The support members 144 are alsointegrally formed with the attachment feature to mount and secure thefurcation body 131. The attachment feature 146 is comprised of anintegrally molded clip 148. The integrally molded clip 148 has a topsubstantially planar surface 150 to which the support members 144 areintegrally molded. The top substantially planar surface 150 of theintegrally molded clip 148 is aligned along the longitudinal axis A₁₁ ofthe furcation body 131 such that the entire furcation body 131 issupported. The integrated molded clip 148 also includes a plurality ofsubstantially planar surfaces 149 to provide an anti-rotation feature inthe furcation body 131. The substantially planar surfaces 149 aredisposed on a bottom portion of the furcation body 131 and areconfigured to abut with a mounting surface when the furcation body 132is mounted to a mounting surface.

The integrally molded clip 148 contains latch mechanisms in the form oftwo attachment latches 152A, 152B, wherein one attachment latch 152A isdisposed on a first end 154 of the integrally molded clip 148 and thesecond attachment latch 152B is disposed on a second end 156 of theintegrally molded clip 148. The attachment latches 152A, 152B areconfigured to engage suitable apertures in the mounting surface 30 usinga compressible fit. In this regard, the integrally molded clip 148contains a U-shaped compressible member 158 that attaches the attachmentlatch 152A to the integrally molded clip 148. In this manner, when theattachment latch 152A is placed in an aperture, a force can be assertedon the integrally molded clip 148 towards the first end 154 such thatthe attachment latch 152A will move forward in the aperture such thatattachment latch 152B can be placed in another aperture. The compressionenergy contained in the compressible member 158 will exert aforward-biased force between the attachment latch 152A and an aperturesuch that the integrally molded clip 148 will be secured. When secured,the substantially planar surfaces 149 will abut with a mounting surfaceto provide an anti-rotation feature.

FIGS. 12A-12D illustrate another embodiment of a fiber optic cableassembly 160 having an anti-rotation feature for securing the furcationbody to a suitable fiber optic shelf assembly. FIG. 12A is a perspectiveview of the fiber optic cable assembly 160 with a two-piece moldedfurcation body 162, but other structures are possible. The furcationbody 162 includes an end cap 165 attached thereto. A latching finger 167disposed in the furcation body 164 protrudes and interlocks with a latchorifice 169 disposed in the end cap 165 to secure the end cap 165 to thefurcation body 164. However, a one-piece molded furcation body 164without a separate end cap 165 is also possible. The furcation body 164has a first end 166 for receiving a fiber optic cable (not shown) alonga longitudinal axis A₁₂ of the furcation body 164. The fiber optic cableis received in a passage 168 disposed within the furcation body 164between the first end 166 and a second end 170 of the furcation body164. Therein, the fiber optic cable is furcated into a plurality offurcated legs (not shown) that extend out of the second end 170 of thefurcation body 164 to attach to fiber optic components.

In order to secure the furcation body 162 of the cable assembly anattachment feature 172 is provided. The attachment feature is anintegral portion of the furcation body 164. The furcation body 164includes a plurality of attachment platform members 174 each having asubstantially planar surface 177 to provide an anti-rotation feature(see also FIG. 12D). The furcation body 164 also includes keyholemembers 176 attached via attachment platform supports 175 (see FIGS. 12Band 12C). The furcation body 162 and the attachment platform members 174are mounted to a mounting surface when the keyhole members 176 areinserted into apertures. In this manner, the substantially planarsurfaces 177 abut and rest flat against a mounting surface to provide ananti-rotation feature. This is further illustrated in the side, front,and bottom views of the fiber optic cable assembly 160 in FIGS. 12B-12D,respectively. As illustrated therein, the keyhole members 176 are shownas being disposed along the longitudinal axis A₁₂ below the surface ofthe furcation body 164 and the attachment platform members 174. Thus,when the keyhole members 176 are disposed in apertures, thesubstantially planar surfaces 177 of the attachment platform members 174will abut with and rest against the mounting surface. In othervariations, the keyhole members may be included on a clip that has aside with a living hinge that closes about the furcation body forsecuring the same within the clip.

FIG. 13 illustrates the fiber optic cable assemblies 160 of FIGS.12A-12D installed on a mounting surface 180. The mounting surface 180may be disposed in any suitable fiber optic shelf assembly. Asillustrated in FIG. 13, the furcation body 162 receives a fiber opticcable 182 through the first end 166 of the furcation body 164. The fiberoptic cable 182 is furcated inside the passage 168 of the furcation body164 extending therethrough to the second end 170.

A plurality of furcated legs 184 extend through the second end 170 asillustrated. The mounting surface 180 comprises a series of keyholes 186(i.e., apertures with a given shape) for allowing the fiber optic cableassembly 160 to be attached to the mounting surface 180. The keyholemembers 176 are inserted into wide portions 188 of the keyholes 186 thatwill allow the geometry of the keyhole members 176 to pass therethrough.Thereafter, the furcation body 162 and its keyhole members 176 arepushed or pulled as indicated by the arrows 190 in FIG. 13 such that theattachment platform support 175 is inserted into narrow portions 192 ofthe keyholes 186. When locked therein, the substantially planar surfaces177 abut with the mounting surface 180 to provide an anti-rotationfeature for the fiber optic cable assembly 160. The keyhole members 176cannot pass through the narrow portions 192 of the keyholes 186 suchthat the furcation body 162 is locked into place on the mounting surface180.

To prevent the furcation body 162 from being pulled opposite of thedirection of the arrows 190 such that the keyhole members 176 could bereleased from the mounting surface 180, a front locking mechanism 194 isprovided. The front locking mechanism 194 comprises a T-shaped appendage196 extending out of the second end 170 of the furcation body 164. Theappendage 196 contains a pin 198 that is located in substantially thesame plane as the attachment platform support 175. Thus, when the pin198 is inserted into a pin aperture 199, as illustrated in FIG. 13, thefurcation body 162 is prevented from moving laterally such that thefurcation body 162 cannot accidentally be pushed forward opposite thedirection of the arrows 190 such that the keyhole members 176 may bereleased from the keyholes 186 for an accidental removal or detachmentfrom the mounting surface 180. Although shown and described as onlybeing able to mount furcation body 164 in one direction relative to thekeyholes 186, the keyholes may have a symmetrical profile so that thefurcation body can also be mounted when rotated 180 degrees as shown anddescribed in FIG. 16E (i.e., mounting in more than two differentorientations).

FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate another alternative fiber optic cableassembly 200 that may be employed for securing a furcation body thatincludes an anti-rotation feature. In this embodiment, the fiber opticcable assembly 200 includes a furcation body 202 that is comprised of afurcation body 204. A fiber optic cable 206 is received in a first end208 of the furcation body 204 and extends through a passage 210extending through the furcation body 204 to a second end 212 of thefurcation body 204 along a longitudinal axis A₁₃ of the furcation body204. The fiber optic cable 206 is furcated inside the passage 210disposed in the furcation body 204 and furcated into a plurality offurcated legs 214 that extend from the second end 212. The furcationbody 202 in this embodiment is not designed to be placed against amounting surface to secure the furcation body 202. Instead, anattachment feature 216 is provided in the form of a clip 218. As shown,one or more clips 218 are placed around the furcation body 204 to secureit. The attachment feature 216 is then secured to a mounting surface tosecure the furcation body 202. Unlike the clip 50 of FIG. 3A, the clip218 of the attachment feature 216 in FIGS. 14A and 14B completelysurrounds the furcation body 202 such that the furcation body 202 doesnot touch the mounting surface.

The clip 218 is comprised of an attachment housing 222. The attachmenthousing 222 is formed from an elongated rectangular shaped piece ofmaterial that is banner formed in a substantially rectangular shape withfirst and second ends 224, 226 coming together onto themselves. Theattachment housing 222 contains a substantially planar surface 223 thatis configured to abut with a mounting surface when the attachmenthousing 222 secures the furcation body 202 to a mounting surface toprovide an anti-rotation feature. A series of protrusions or ridges 225are disposed on the attachment housing 222 on the first end 224. Alocking structure 230 is disposed on the second end 226 of theattachment housing 222 such that it is configured to lock the first end224 onto the second end 226 to form the attachment housing 222. Afterbeing installed around the furcation body 204 as illustrated in FIG.14A, the attachment housing 222 also contains a button structure 232disposed within an inner wall 234 of the attachment housing 222 that isdesigned to couple with a button receiver 236 disposed within thefurcation body 204. The furcation body 204 contains a notched portion238 that contains a series of button receivers 236 around its outersurface such that the attachment housing 222 can be rotated in a numberof directions around the furcation body 202 to secure the furcation body202 to differently-oriented mounting surfaces as desired. The notchedportion 238 has a width W₁ that is about the same width as the width W₂of the attachment housing 222 such that the attachment housing 222 sitsinside the notched portion 238 to provide a secure fit between theattachment housing 222 and the furcation body 204 when attached.

In order to secure the attachment housing 222 to a mounting surface,which in turn will secure the furcation body 202 to the mountingsurface, an integrated plunger 240 is provided in the attachment housing222. The integrated plunger 240 is disposed within a plunger orifice 226disposed in the attachment housing 222. The integrated plunger 240contains a plunger support 244 that has an outer diameter larger thanthe plunger orifice 226 such that the plunger support 244 rests insidethe attachment housing 222. A plunger head 246 is coupled to a plungerflange 248 to selectively engage the plunger flange 248 to cause it toexpand or retract. When the plunger head 246 is pushed down, the plungerflange 248 expands. When the plunger head 246 is pulled up, the plungerflange 248 contracts. Thus, to secure the attachment housing 222 to andabut the substantially planar surface 223 to a mounting surface, theplunger flange 248 is placed inside an aperture or orifice and a forceis exerted down on the plunger head 246 to cause the plunger flange 248to expand within the orifice or aperture. Thus, the plunger flange 248is secured within the aperture or orifice to secure the attachmenthousing 222 therein. As a result, the furcation body 202 is held inplace within the attachment housing 222 to the mounting surface.

FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate alternate fiber optic cable assemblies 250,250′ that include an anti-rotation feature and attachment features tomount the fiber optic cable assemblies 250, 250′ to mounting surfaces252, 252′. As illustrated therein, the fiber optic cable assemblies 250,250′ include fiber optic cable 22 received in first ends 254, 254′ offurcation bodies 256, 256′. The fiber optic cable 22 is received alonglongitudinal axes A₁₄, A₁₅ of the furcation bodies 256, 256′,respectively. The fiber optic cable 22 is furcated inside the furcationbodies 256, 256′ into a plurality of furcated legs 28 extending fromsecond ends 258, 258′ of the furcation bodies 256, 256′ opposite thefirst ends 254, 254′ of the furcation bodies 256, 256′, respectively.The furcation bodies 256, 256′ each contain substantially planarsurfaces 260, 260′ that abut with the mounting surfaces 252, 252′,respectively, to provide an anti-rotation feature when the furcationbodies 256, 256′ are mounted to the mounting surfaces 252, 252′.

The furcation bodies 256, 256′ also contain attachment features 262,262′ to secure the furcation bodies 256, 256′ to the mounting surfaces252, 252′. With regard to the fiber optic cable assembly 250 in FIG.15A, the attachment feature 262 is provided in the form of buttonattachment features 264A, 264B. The button attachment features 264A,264B each provide a female button portion 266A, 266B attached to abottom surface 268 of the furcation body 256. The female button portions266A, 266B may be provided by either of the female button portions 270A,270B illustrated in FIG. 15C as examples. The female button portions266A, 266B attach to male button portions 272A, 272B to secure thefurcation body 256 to the mounting surface 252. The male button portions272A, 272B may be provided by either of the male button portions 274A,274B illustrated in FIG. 15C as examples.

With regard to the fiber optic cable assembly 250′ in FIG. 15B, anattachment feature 262′ is provided in the form of button attachmentfeatures 264A′, 264B′. However, in this embodiment, the buttonattachment features 264A′, 264B′ each provide a male button portion272A′, 272B′ attached to the substantially planar surface 260′ of thefurcation body 256′. The male button portions 272A′, 272B′ may beprovided by either of the male button portions 274A, 274B illustrated inFIG. 15C as examples. The male button portions 272A′, 272B′ attach tofemale button portions 266A′, 266B′ to secure the furcation body 256′ tothe mounting surface 252. The substantially planar surface 260′ abutswith the mounting surface 252′ to provide an anti-rotation feature inthe furcation body 256′. The female button portions 266A, 266B may beprovided by either of the female button portions 270A, 270B illustratedin FIG. 15C as examples.

FIGS. 16A-16C depict views of another clip 280 for securing a fiberoptic cable assembly while providing an anti-rotation feature for thefiber optic cable assembly. FIGS. 16A-16C show clip 280 with a cover 282in the open position. FIG. 16A illustrates a perspective view of clip280 having cavity 286 for securing a fiber optic cable assembly thereinsuch as shown in FIG. 3B. FIGS. 16B and 16C respectively show a bottomview of clip 280 and a side view of clip 280, thereby illustratingdetails of the same. Cavity 286 is generally defined by the body of clip280 and a cover 282. Although cover 282 is depicted with a living hingein this embodiment, other variations can have the cover formed as aseparated component that snaps, slides, or otherwise attaches in anothersuitable manner to the clip for securing a fiber optic cable assemblytherein. Cavity 286 is sized to hold one or more furcation plugs of thefiber optic cable assembly therein while inhibiting rotation of thesame. For instance, FIG. 16G depicts a clip 280′ that is sized forsecuring furcation bodies of two fiber optic cable assemblies. Moreover,clip 280′ and the associated furcation plugs may be sized so theassembly fits within a 1 U shelf space (a height of 1.75 inches). Clip280 also includes one or more suitable attachment features as disclosedherein for securing the same to a mounting surface. In this embodiment,clip 280 has the attachment features disposed on a bottom surface 285 ofthe clip 280 (i.e., the bottom surface of the clip is generally planar)for mounting the same. Like the other embodiments, clip 280 isadvantageous because no tools are required for securing the same to themounting surface. Further, clip 280 is also advantageous since its widthis not much greater than the furcation body, thereby allowing forrelatively high density of fiber optic cable assemblies on a mountingsurface. However, other variations can use other types of attachmentfeatures for mounting similar clips such as attachment features thatextend from the side of the clip.

As best shown in FIGS. 16B and 16C, each attachment feature of clip 280is configured as a keyhole member 287 for engaging an aperture having asuitable profile. In this embodiment, the keyhole member 287 has agenerally triangular shape that allows for insertion of the same into anappropriately sized aperture of the mounting surface. Additionally, thekeyhole member 287 is offset from the bottom surface 285 by a slot guide287 a that directs the motion of clip 280 within the aperture. Clip 280may also include one or more catches 288 for securing the same to themounting surface. In this embodiment, catch 288 is located on the bottomsurface 285 of clip 280. As shown, catch 288 is a protrusion having around shape and will have a corresponding shaped portion located in theaperture of the mounting surface to enable engagement therewith.Consequently, clip 280 is slid within the aperture until the catch 288aligns with and is seated within a corresponding portion of theaperture, thereby inhibiting inadvertent removal of clip 280 from themounting surface. In this embodiment, catch 288 is located on acantilevered portion 289 of clip 280 that is deflected slightly upwardwhen sliding the clip 280 into the aperture to secure the same asdiscussed below.

FIG. 16D depicts the furcation body of the fiber optic cable assemblyinserted into cavity 286 of clip 280 before cover 282 is closed. Asdepicted, furcation body 26 has a notched portion 55 that fits snuglywithin cavity 286, thereby inhibiting displacement of the same withinthe clip 280. The inner surface of cavity 286 of this embodimentincludes a plurality of ribs (not numbered) for positioning and/orclamping furcation body 26 within cavity 286. Other embodiments caninclude other structures for securing the clip and/or inhibitingdisplacement of the furcation body such as longitudinal and/orrotational movement of the same. Thereafter, cover 282 may be closed tosecure the furcation body 26 within the cavity 286 of clip 280.

Cover 282 is attached to clip 280 with a living hinge 283 that permitsopening and closing of the same for removing or installing the furcationbody 26 within clip 280. Cover 282 may also includes a plurality ofridges for thereon for pressing against the notched portion 55 offurcation body 26. Clip 280 also includes a plurality of cover latches290 and cover 282 includes a plurality of complementary cover latches291 that engage to secure the cover in a releasable snap-fittingarrangement. Additionally, a cutout (not numbered) is disposed betweencover latches 290 for improving the flexibility for opening and closingcover 282. FIG. 16D also shows the furcated legs 28 of the fiber opticcable assembly being routed between a pair of guide arms 294. Cableportions of the fiber optic cable assembly are truncated for the purposeof simplicity. Besides acting as a routing guide for the furcated legsof the fiber optic cable assembly, guide arms 294 provide a lever to aidin the removal of clip 280 from the mounting surface. Specifically, thecraft can push the end of one or both guide arms 294 toward the clip280, thereby bending and lifting the cantilevered portion of clip 280and releasing catch 288 from the mounting surface. In other words, thecraft merely pushes on one or more of arcuate portions 297 of guide arms295 toward the clip 280 to release catch 288, thereby allowing theremoval of clip 280 from the mounting surface by sliding the same todisengage from the mounting surface.

FIGS. 16E and 16F show clip 280 being secured to an explanatory mountingsurface 298 from a bottom view. FIG. 16E shows one such exemplarymounting aperture 299 formed on a mounting surface 298 such as afurcation management structure. Mounting aperture 299 is symmetric andadvantageously allows mounting of clip 280 from either direction (i.e.,mounting in more than two different orientations). Mounting aperture 299has distinct portions such as a plurality of rectangular (or square)portions 299 a, a plurality of slot portions 299 b, and a plurality ofround portions 299 c as shown. As shown, slot portions 299 b connect therespective rectangular portions 299 a and each adjacent rectangularportion 299 a and round portion 299 c. In this embodiment, the aperture299 receives respective keyhole members 287 within respectiverectangular portions 299 a of aperture 299, thereby allowing clip 280 to“drop” into the aperture 299. Thereafter, clip 280 is slid relative tothe mounting surface 298 so that the keyhole member(s) 287 engageaperture 299 of mounting surface 298, thereby securing the clip 280 asshown in FIG. 16F. In other words, slot guides 287 a of keyhole members287 ride within slot portions 299 b as clip 280 is secured. As clip 280is fully seated, the catch 288 “pops” into the corresponding roundportion 299 c of the aperture when the clip 280 is fully seated, therebysecuring the same. Although one particular geometry is shown for acooperating aperture 299 and keyhole member 287 other variations arepossible. For instance, catch 288 is shown as round, but it may haveother suitable shapes such as square, retangular, triangular, etc.Likewise, other variations of clip 280 are possible along with otherfeatures, configurations or the like. For instance, FIG. 16G depicts aclip 280′ that is similar to clip 280, but is configured for securing aplurality of furcation bodies in a stacked arrangement; other variationsinclude a clip holding a plurality of furcation bodies in a side-by-sidearrangement.

Also disclosed are furcation management structures for mounting and/ormanaging a plurality of furcation bodies of respective fiber optic cableassemblies. Managing furcation assemblies can provide increased densityof fiber optic cable assemblies supported by fiber optic equipment. FIG.17 illustrates an embodiment of fiber optic equipment in the form of afiber optic shelf assembly 300 providing one explanatory furcationmanagement structure 302 having an array of apertures for mountingfurcation bodies. A furcation management structure may be separate fromand attachable and/or integrated into the fiber optic equipment such asa fiber optic shelf assembly for mounting one or more furcationassemblies. The furcation management structure 302 facilitates themanagement and routing of fiber optic cable assemblies 304 by securingone or more furcation bodies 306 thereto. Additionally, any suitablefiber optic cable assemblies 304 and/or furcation bodies 306 may beused.

As illustrated in FIG. 17, the furcation management structure 302 isattached to a chassis 308 of the fiber optic shelf assembly 300. Morespecifically, the furcation management structure 302 is attached to arear portion 310 of the chassis 308. One or more fiber optic cables 312of a fiber optic cable assembly 304 are typically routed to establishfiber optic connections with one or more fiber optic modules 313provided in the fiber optic shelf assembly 300. The fiber optic cableassembly 304 includes furcation of the fiber optic cable 312 into one ormore furcated legs 314, which are typically connectorized and connectedto fiber optic adapters 316 disposed in the rear of the fiber opticmodules 313.

To secure the fiber optic cable assembly 304 to the chassis 308, thefurcation body 306 of the fiber optic cable assembly 304 is secured tothe furcation management structure 302. In this embodiment, thefurcation management structure 302 is comprised of a furcation bracket317 comprising a mounting surface 318 containing an attachment featurein the form of a series of pre-defined apertures 320. The apertures 320may be arranged like the apertures in the mounting surfaces previouslydescribed above. A securing device in the form of plungers 321A, 321Bare disposed in an attachment feature of the furcation body 306, such asthose previously described above, and secured to the apertures 320 inthe furcation bracket 317 to mount the furcation body 306 to thefurcation management structure 302. In this regard, the mounting surface318 of the furcation bracket 317 is similar to the mounting surfacespreviously described above. The furcation bracket 317 also contains afirst end 319 and a second end 322 disposed on an opposite side of thefirst end 319. As will be described in more detail below, the furcationbracket 317 contains at least one portion that is removably attached tothe chassis 308 such that additional furcation body of other fiber opticcable assemblies can be disposed underneath the furcation bracket 317and mounted directly to the rear portion 310 of the chassis 308 toincrease the density of fiber optic cable assemblies 304 that can bedisposed in the fiber optic shelf assembly 300.

FIG. 18 illustrates a close-up perspective view of the furcationmanagement structure 302 with the furcation bracket 317 in a closedposition. Only the furcation body 306 of the fiber optic cable assembly304 is illustrated so as to not obstruct features discussed herein withregard to FIG. 18. However, the fiber optic cable 312 and furcated legs314 would extend from the furcation body 306 in the actual fiber opticcable assembly 304. As illustrated, the furcation bracket 317 ishingedly mounted to the rear portion 310 via a hinge assembly 324. Thehinge assembly 324 is comprised of a hinge 326 attached between a bottomside 328 (see FIG. 20) of the furcation bracket 317 on its second end322 and the rear portion 310 of the chassis 308 via a standoff bracket329. The hinge assembly 324 allows the furcation bracket 317 to belifted on its first end 319 about the rear portion 310 for accessunderneath. The first end 319 is removably attached to the rear portion310 via an attachment feature provided in the form of an attachmentplatform 330. The attachment platform 330 extends from the first end 319of the furcation bracket 317 and contains an aperture 332 (see also,FIG. 19). A securing device in the form of a plunger 334 is disposed inthe aperture 332 and is configured to cooperatively engage with anaperture 336 disposed in a standoff platform 338 (see FIG. 19) to besecured to the rear portion 310 in a closed position.

When closed, as illustrated in FIG. 18, the furcation bracket 317 formsan internal cavity 340 underneath the mounting surface 318 disposedbetween the first end 319, the second end 322, and curved surfaces 342A,342B disposed orthogonally therebetween. The curved surfaces 342A, 342Bprovide a waterfall feature for the fiber optic cables 312 and thefurcated legs 314 to lay over or against to prevent or reduce bending orkinking when installed on the furcation bracket 317. The internal cavity340 provides for additional furcation bodies 344 (see also, FIG. 19) tobe attached directly to the rear portion 310 underneath the furcationbracket 317 to allow for an increased density of fiber optic cableassemblies to be included in the fiber optic shelf assembly 300.

FIGS. 19 and 20 illustrate the furcation bracket 317 in an openposition. In this manner, the first end 319 of the furcation bracket 317is detached from the standoff platform 338 via release of the plunger334 from the aperture 336. The hinge assembly 324 contains an internalspring (not shown) to bias the furcation bracket 317 in the openposition when not secured to the standoff platform 338. As illustratedin FIGS. 19 and 20, the rear portion 310 has a series of apertures 348to receive securing devices for attachment features of the furcationbodies 344 disposed beneath the furcation bracket 317, which may includethe configurations previously provided and described in FIGS. 1-16.Further, one or more standoffs 350 may be disposed on the bottom side328 of the furcation bracket 317 that rest against the rear portion 310to provide additional support when the furcation bracket 317 is closed.

FIGS. 21-27 illustrate various additional embodiments of furcationmanagement structures and/or assemblies that may be employed to managefurcation bodies of fiber optic cable assemblies. In these embodiments,one or more furcation trays 352 disposed in fiber optic equipment in theform of a fiber optic shelf assembly 354 are provided. Further, thefurcation management structures may include one or more furcationplatforms 356 that mount to the fiber optic equipment, thereby making itpossible to retrofit into existing equipment. In other embodiments, thefurcation management structure is integrated into the fiber optic shelfassembly. Both the furcation trays 352 and furcation platforms 356 aredisposed on a bottom mounting surface 359 in a rear portion 357 of thefiber optic shelf assembly 354 to support one or more furcation bodiesof respective fiber optic cable assemblies 357. Of course, trays,platforms or the like could be mounted on other surfaces such as thesides or top of the fiber optic shelf assembly. These fiber optic cableassemblies 357 include furcation bodies 358 receiving a fiber opticcable 360 and providing one or more furcated legs 362. The furcated legs362 may be connectorized with fiber optic connectors and connected tofiber optic adapters 364 disposed in one or more fiber optic modules 366in the fiber optic shelf assembly 354. Furcation management structuressuch as furcation trays 352 and furcation platforms 356 facilitateproviding higher density of fiber optic cable assemblies 357 in thefiber optic shelf assembly 354 along with improved organization.

FIG. 22 illustrates a top view of a furcation tray 352 that is disposedin the fiber optic shelf assembly 354 in FIG. 21 in more detail. Asillustrated therein, the furcation tray 352 is comprised of a mountingsurface 361. By way of example, the furcation tray 352 may beconstructed out of any suitable material such as sheet metal, aluminum,plastic, and the like. The furcation tray 352 may contain a series ofindentures 365 and protrusions 367 on outer edges of the furcation tray352 that are configured to cooperate with opposing protrusions andindentures disposed on the mounting surface 359 of the fiber optic shelfassembly 354. A series of pre-defined apertures 355 may also be providedin the mounting surface 359 to receive fasteners (not shown) forsecuring the furcation tray 352 to the fiber optic shelf assembly 354.

Similar to the mounting surfaces previously described herein, themounting surface 361 of the furcation tray 352 contains a series ofpre-defined apertures 368 that receive securing devices 371 (see FIG.24) disposed in an attachment feature 369 of the furcation body 358. Theapertures 368 are located in offsetting axes (e.g., A₁₆, A₁₇) such thatthe fiber optic cable 360 of one furcation body 358 disposed in a firstrow (e.g., R₁) is disposed in between two adjacent furcation bodies 358in a second row (e.g., R₂). This allows two rows (e.g., R₁, R₂) offurcation bodies 358 facing the same direction to be located in thefurcation tray 352 to provide for greater density furcation management.In the example of FIG. 22, the furcation tray 352 includes eight (8)furcation bodies 358 facing the same direction. Similarly the furcationtray 352 includes eight (8) additional furcation bodies 358 in rows R₃and R₄ facing an opposite direction of the furcation bodies 358 in rowsR₁ and R₂ to provide for a total of sixteen (16) furcation bodies 358.In this embodiment, the furcated legs 362 are all routed to a centersection 370 of the furcation tray 352 for routing to the fiber opticmodules 366.

To provide even greater density possibilities in the fiber optic shelfassembly 354 of FIG. 21, one or more furcation platforms 356 may also bedisposed in the fiber optic shelf assembly 354 to provide additionalfurcation management. One furcation platform 356 is illustrated as beingprovided in FIG. 21; however, additional furcation platforms 356 can bedisposed above the furcation tray 352 in a stacked arrangement in theY-axis (“Y”) (see FIG. 25), as desired. As illustrated in FIG. 23, thefurcation platform 356 contains a mounting surface 374 similar to themounting surface 361 of the furcation tray 352. One or more indentures376 are provided in corners 378 of the furcation platform 356 to mountthe furcation platform 356 above the furcation tray 352. The furcationplatform 356 is mounted to standoffs 380 (FIG. 21) inserted into theindentures 376. As will be described later below with regard to FIG. 24,an additional aperture 379 is provided for mounting the furcationplatform 356 as an appendage from the furcation tray 352. In thismanner, the furcation platform 356 is mounted above the mounting surface359 of the fiber optic shelf assembly 354 similar to the furcationbracket 317 to provide additional mounting space for fiber optic cableassemblies.

Similar to the furcation tray 352, the mounting surface 374 of thefurcation platform 356 contains a series of pre-defined apertures 382that receive securing devices disposed in attachment features of thefurcation bodies 358. The apertures 382 are located in offsetting axes(e.g., A₁₈, A₁₉) such that the fiber optic cable 360 of one furcationbody 358 disposed in a first row (e.g., R₅) is disposed in between twoadjacent furcation bodies 358 in a second row (e.g, R₆). This allows tworows (e.g., R₅, R₆) of furcation bodies 358 facing the same direction tobe located in the furcation platform 356 to provide for greater densityfurcation management. In the example of FIG. 23, the furcation tray 352includes eight (8) furcation bodies 358 facing the same direction.

FIG. 24 illustrates a furcation platform 356 provided as an appendage toa furcation tray 352 and a fiber optic shelf assembly 354 to provideadditional options for providing additional furcation management. Thefurcation platform 356 and furcation bodies 358 secured therein are thesame as illustrated in FIG. 22. The furcation platform 356 is secured toa rear side 389 of the fiber optic shelf assembly 354 via the additionalaperture 379, which receives a securing device 390 disposed in thefurcation tray 352 to secure the furcation platform 356 to the fiberoptic shelf assembly 354.

FIG. 25 illustrates a side view of the fiber optic shelf assembly 354 ofFIG. 21, and illustrates a furcation tray 392 disposed on a top shelf394 of the fiber optic shelf assembly 354 to provide additionalfurcation management. In this illustration, in addition to a furcationtray 352 and a furcation platform 356 mounted on the furcation tray 352being disposed on the bottom mounting surface 359 of the fiber opticshelf assembly 300, the top shelf 394 provides another mounting surfaceto mount additional furcation trays 392 and/or furcation platforms (notincluded in FIG. 25), if desired. In this manner, the furcation tray 392may be provided that contains the same features as the furcation tray352 illustrated in FIG. 22 and thus will not be repeated here. Further,FIG. 25 illustrates more detail regarding the standoff 380 to support afurcation platform 356 disposed above the furcation tray 352. Thestandoff 380 is disposed in a standoff orifice 402 disposed in thefurcation tray 352 and into the mounting surface 359. FIG. 26illustrates the fiber optic shelf assembly 354 as well, but with anintermediate shelf 396 provided. The intermediate shelf 396 can supportan intermediate furcation tray 398 for providing furcation management.In this manner, the furcation tray 392 may be provided that contains thesame features as the furcation tray 352 illustrated in FIG. 22 and thuswill not be repeated here.

FIG. 27 illustrates furcation management structures such as furcationtrays, platforms or the like may be slidable with respect to the fiberoptic shelf assembly 354 to be translated in and out from the fiberoptic shelf assembly 354. Translation of a furcation tray allows accessto any fiber optic cable assemblies, including their furcation bodies,disposed in the furcation tray for access, routing, configuration,reconfiguration, etc. As illustrated, the intermediate furcation tray398 is translated out from the fiber optic shelf assembly 354. Theintermediate furcation tray 398 is disposed between shelves provided inthe form of shelf supports 410A, 410B on each side of the rear side 389of the fiber optic shelf assembly 354. The shelf supports 410A, 410Binclude a guide system in the form of rail guides 412A, 412B. The railguides 412A, 412B receive rails 413A, 413B disposed on each side of arear side 414 and a front side 416 of the intermediate furcation tray398. In this manner, the intermediate furcation tray 398 can be pulledand pushed about on the rails 413A, 413B to translate in and out of thefiber optic shelf assembly 354 about the rails guides 412A, 412B. Therail guides 412A, 412B is provided in FIG. 27 as a friction fit guidesystem; however, a bearing guide system, or any other type of guidesystem may be employed.

FIGS. 28-30 depict a various views of another alternate furcationmanagement structure mounted in a fiber optic shelf assembly. As shown,fiber optic shelf assembly 354 includes two furcation platforms 356(i.e., a plurality of furcation management structures) mounted onopposing sides of the fiber optic shelf assembly for securing andmanaging respective fiber optic cable assemblies 357 that are routedtherein. As best shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, furcation platform 356 hasmultiple levels 356 a and 356 b for securing the furcation bodies.Moreover, the multiple levels are located on non-parallel planes, but itis possible to locate the multiple levels on generally parallel planes.Having different mounting levels allows angling the cable assemblies onthe inner level upward at the rear portion to inhibit interference withthe cable assemblies on the outer level. In other words, the cablesassemblies on the inner level tend to ramp over the cable assemblies onthe outer level as shown in FIG. 29. Moreover, this arrangement allowsfor improved finger access for the craft. Also this multi-levelconstruction can be used on furcation management assemblies that extend,translate (i.e., the tray moves) and/or rotate for access. Still otherembodiments can have more than two levels, stack the platforms, have theplatforms hingely mounted and/or other arrangements as discussed herein.Likewise, although depicted with cable assemblies having furcationbodies that mount using clips any suitable type of furcation body may beused. FIG. 30 shows that furcation platforms 356 are mounted to thesides of fiber optic shelf assembly 354 using a suitable fasenter 393such as screws, but they mount to the rear, top, or other location. Ofcourse, other fasteners are possible. Other variations of furcationplatforms and furcation trays are possible according to the conceptsdisclosed herein.

Likewise, variations are also possible to structures disclosed hereinsuch as the clips for securing the furcation body. For instance, FIGS.31A-31D show perspective views of other clips for securing furcationbodies of fiber optic cable assemblies. In more detail, FIG. 31A depictsclip 50 for securing a plurality of furcation bodies 26 of cableassemblies in a vertical arrangement; instead of a horizontalarrangement. This arrangement is most advantageous when the furcationbodies are smaller, but may be used with any size furcation body.Moreover, other variations of the clip may be configured to secure anysuitable number of rows and/or columns of furcation bodies secured bythe clip. Other variations of clips can modify the number and/orlocation of attachment platforms on the clips as shown in FIGS. 31B and31C. More specifically, the clip of FIG. 31B has four attachmentplatforms with respective apertures that receive plungers for securingthe same and the clip of FIG. 31C has three attachment platforms. Otherclip variations include having attachment platforms with apertures onupper and lower surfaces, thereby creating a vertical stackingarrangement as shown in FIG. 31D. The furcation bodies are not shown inthe view so that the stacking arrangement is visible. Simply stated, oneor more plungers 60 are used to secure a first clip to as second clip asshown to increase the fiber optic cable assembly density of thestructure or assembly.

As discussed, the concepts disclosed herein advantageously allowssecuring relatively large numbers of furcation bodies within fiber opticshelf assemblies and the like while still allowing easy access for thecraft. Moreover, the relatively large number of furcation bodies canallow the fiber optic shelf assembly to support relatively large opticalfiber connections as discussed below. FIGS. 32 and 34-36 depict rearperspective views of various fiber optic shelf assemblies having aplurality of furcation bodies of fiber optic cable assemblies securedtherein and FIG. 33 is a schematic representation of a fiber optic shelfassembly. More specifically, FIGS. 32 and 34-36 depict fiber optic shelfassemblies employing clips 280 or 280′, which allow for higher furcationbody packing in a given space since clips 280 and 280′ have a width thatis similar to the width of the furcation body. In other words, the clipsmay be spaced closer together on the mounting surface since there is noextending mounting feature(s). Other structures and/or configurationsfor mounting the furcation bodies are possible as disclosed herein andthe description and illustrations of fiber optic shelf assembliesshowing clips 280 and 280′ is merely for explanatory purposes and notlimitation.

For instance, clip 280′ (FIG. 16G) is advantageous since it allowsstacking of multiple furcation bodies therein, thereby doubling thedensity compared with clip 280. Further, clip 280′ is advantageous forhigh density solution where the associated furcation plugs and clip issized to fits within a 1 U shelf space as discussed below. In oneembodiment, the fiber optic shelf assemblies or the like may have aone-to-one correspondence between a plurality of respective modules andrespective fiber optic cable assemblies as shown by FIG. 32, but otherarrangements are possible. The one-to-one correspondence is advantageousfor the craft because it simplifies labeling and port mapping to themodules (i.e., one fiber optic cable assembly per module). By way ofexample, the one-to-one correspondence simplifies moves, additions,and/or changes to the optical network, thereby saving time and reducingcomplexity.

By way of example, FIG. 32 illustrates a fiber optic shelf assembly 400having a furcation management structure 402 for securing a plurality offurcation bodies 403 of respective fiber optic cable assemblies 406within the fiber optic shelf using a plurality of clips 280. In thisembodiment, furcation management structure 402 includes two furcationplatforms (not numbered) mounted on opposing sides of the fiber opticshelf assembly 400 so that the fucation bodies 403 are oppositely facingeach other within the fiber optic shelf assembly. Stated another way,the furcated legs 407 of fiber optic cable assemblies 406 are directedtoward the middle of the fiber optic shelf assembly for routing to therear of a plurality of respective modules 410. As shown, respectivefurcated legs 407 of the fiber optic cable assemblies 406 each have arespective multi-fiber ferrule 408 such as a twelve fiber connector thatconnects with a respective module 410, thereby providing a one-to-onecorrespondence between the modules 410 and fiber optic cable assemblies406 (i.e., each fiber optic cable assembly has twelve optical fibers).In this embodiment, the fiber optic shelf assembly 400 has a 1 Ufootprint and each furcation platform accommodate four clips 280.

However, other 1 U embodiments of fiber optic shelf assembly 400 couldinclude more modules such as twelve modules disposed in three trays andeach platform could accommodate six clips 280, thereby providing aone-to-one correspondence and supporting up to 144 optical connectionsor more. Further, a relatively large number of furcation bodies may besecured in the 1 U shelf space/footprint using the concepts disclosedherein. FIG. 33 is a schematic representation showing a 1 U shelf spacehaving twelve modules each represented by a plurality of respectiverectangular spaces 512 and supported by fiber optic cable assembly,clips, furcation mounting structures, etc. as disclosed herein. Withinrectangular spaces 512 are a plurality of front-side connectorfootprints 514 that represent individual connector ports on modulesrepresented by rectangular spaces 512. Connector footprints 514 may haveany suitable configuration such as LC, duplexed LC, SC, duplex SC, MT(i.e., multiple fiber connectors) of various fiber counts such as4-fiber, 8-fiber, 12-fiber, 24-fiber, etc. For the sake of simplicity,each module has four connector footprints 514 with ellipses therebetweenfor representing any desired number of connector footprints 514 onrectangular spaces 512. By way of example, each rectangular space mayhave six duplexed LC connections, four 12-fiber MT connectors, four24-fiber MT connectors, or any other suitable connector configuration asrepresented by connector footprints 514. For the sake of brevity andsimplicity, Table 1 below summarizes several configurations of fiberoptic shelf assemblies having a 1 U shelf space that may support thegiven number of optical fiber connections using clips 280 or 280′.

TABLE 1 Explanatory Embodiments Per 1 U Rack Space and Supported OpticalConnections Fiber Count of # of Furcation # of Fibers # of Clips # ofOptical Cable Bodies per Per within Shelf Connections Assembly Clip ClipAssembly Supported 12 2 24 12 288 24 2 48 12 576 36 2 72 12 864 48 1 4812 576 72 1 72 12 864 96 1 96 12 1152 144 1 144 12 1728

By way of explanation, the first row of Table 1 discloses using fiberoptic cable assemblies 406 that each include twelve optical fibers,thereby allowing the mounting of two furcation bodies 403 in one clip280′ within a 1 U shelf space. Consequently, the given fiber optic shelfassembly has twenty-four optical fibers per each of twelve clips 280′,thereby supporting up to 288 optical fiber connections. Typically, thefurcation body increases in size at a certain optical fiber count of thefiber optic cable assemblies due to space restrictions of the furcationbody. Moreover, using clips that secure stacked furcation bodies (i.e.,two or more furcation bodies per clip) may be limited based on theheadroom of the 1 U shelf assembly with respect to the stacked furcationbodies. For instance, Table 1 makes the transition to a larger furcationbodies and single furcation body clips 280 at a fiber count offorty-eight optical fibers, but other transition points are possible.Typically, this headroom limitation is not an issue with larger shelfspaces such as a 2 U or 4 U shelf space. The values of Table 1 are forthe purpose of illustration within a 1 U shelf space and can easily beincreased in a number of ways. Simply stated, Table 1 is a scaling “per1 U rack space” and can be increased for larger shelf spaces bymultiplying number of supported optical fiber connections for the 1 Ushelf space by the size of the given shelf space.

For instance, the number of supported fiber optic connections isincreased by migrating to a larger shelf space such as a 4 U fiber opticshelf space may be calculated by simply multiplying Table 1 by a factorof 4 to scale up. By way of example, the schematic representation ofFIG. 33 can be stacked four times to represent a 4 U fiber optic shelfassembly 520 as shown in FIG. 33A, which depicts ten 4 U fiber opticshelf assemblies 520 mounted in a rack 530 (the dashed lines represent a1 U shelf space). Thus, if connector footprint 514 (not shown forpurposes of clarity) of the 4 U shelf configuration represents atwenty-four fiber connector footprint, then the 4 U fiber optic shelfassembly 520 supports up forty-eight rectangular spaces 512 (whichrepresent modules) with each rectangular space 512 supporting up toninety-six optical connections (twenty-four fiber connector times fourconnectors per module). Thus, each 4 U fiber optic shelf assembly 520supports up to 4608 optical fiber connections (96 optical fiberconnections times 48 modules) and rack 530 can support up to 46,080optical fiber connections. Of course, this is only a representativeexplanatory example and the other rows of Table 1 can also be scaled upto a 2 U shelf space, 4 U shelf, or rack accordingly to arrive at amultitude of different optical fiber count.

Additionally, fiber optic shelf assemblies supporting different numbersof optical connections are possible as discussed below. Illustratively,FIG. 34 depicts a fiber optic shelf assembly 400′ having a furcationmanagement structures 402 for securing a plurality of furcation bodies403 of respective fiber optic cable assemblies 406 within the fiberoptic shelf using a plurality of clips 280′. Fiber optic shelf assembly400′ is a 1 U shelf assembly having a height H of about 1.75 inches likefiber optic shelf assembly 400, but it includes six clips 280′ mountedon each furcation management structure 402, thereby increasing thefurcation body density. In other words, one furcation managementstructure 402 secures up to twelve furcation bodies 403 of fiber opticcable assemblies 406 within fiber optic shelf assembly 400′.Consequently, the two furcation management structures 402 of fiber opticshelf assembly 400′ secure up to twenty-four furcation bodies 403. Byway of example, the furcation management structure 402 can have aform-factor as small as about 3.25 inches by 5.5 inches (83 millimetersby 140 millimeters) and fit within a 1 U shelf space while securing atleast twelve furcation bodies 403. Of course, the furcation managementstructure can have a larger size and/or a standard size with the samenumber of apertures for securing furcation bodies thereto while stillaccommodating mounting within the fiber optic shelf assembly. By way ofexample, a standard size for the furcation management structure may beabout 7.5 inches by 9.375 inches and fit within a 1 U shelf space whilesecuring up to twelve furcation bodies 403, but other standard sizes arepossible. Moreover, the fiber optic cable assemblies 406 can havedifferent fiber counts such as 12-fibers per cable assembly, 24-fibersper cable assembly, or other suitable number of fibers. Thus, the 1 Ufiber optic shelf assembly 400′ can have up to twenty-four furcationbodies secured therein and support up to 144 optical fiber connections,up to 288 optical fiber connections, or even more optical fiberconnections in the fiber optic shelf assembly while still being readilyaccessible by the craft. In other words, the craft can simply pull backon guide arms and slid the clip out of the furcation managementstructure or open the cover of the clip and remove the desired furcationbody.

The mounting density of fiber optic cable assemblies within the fiberoptic shelf assembly may be increased in other ways while stillproviding ease of access for initial installation, moves, adds, and/orchanges for the craft. For instance, FIG. 35 depicts a fiber optic shelfassembly 400″ having a furcation management structures 422 for securinga plurality of furcation bodies 403 of respective fiber optic cableassemblies 406 within the fiber optic shelf using a plurality of clips280′. Like fiber optic shelf assembly 400′, fiber optic shelf assembly400″ is a 1 U shelf assembly having a height H of about 1.75 inches, butit includes twelve clips 280′ mounted on each furcation managementstructure 422, thereby increasing the furcation body count therein.Simply stated, the number of clips secured within the fiber optic shelfassembly are doubled; and, thus, it is possible to double the number ofsupported optical fiber connections given in Table 1 to the extent thereis connector space within the fiber optic shelf assembly. In otherwords, the two furcation management structures 422 of fiber optic shelfassembly 400″ secure a total of up to forty-eight furcation bodies 403using twenty-four clips within a 1 U shelf. The furcation managementstructure 422 can have any suitable size that accommodates mountingwithin the fiber optic shelf assembly. By way of example, furcationmanagement structure 422 may have a footprint of about 7.5 inches by9.375 inches and fit within a 1 U shelf space while securing at leasttwenty-four furcation bodies 403, but other sizes are possible.Moreover, the fiber optic cable assemblies 406 can have different fibercounts such as 12-fibers per assembly, 24-fibers per assembly, or othersuitable number of fibers like disclosed in Table 1. Thus, the 1 U fiberoptic shelf assembly 400″ can have up to forty-eight furcation bodiessecured therein and support up to 288 optical fiber connections, up to576 optical fiber connections, or even more optical fiber connections inthe fiber optic shelf assembly while still being readily accessible bythe craft for initial installation, moves, adds and/or changes.

FIG. 36 depicts another fiber optic shelf assembly 420 having aplurality of furcation management structures 422 for securing aplurality of furcation bodies 403 of fiber optic cable assemblies 406 ina suitable arrangement. For instance, the cable assemblies 406 mayinclude the one-to-one correspondence with a plurality of modules (notvisible), but this is not necessary. In this embodiment, fiber opticshelf assembly 420 has a 4 U footprint with forty-eight fiber opticcable assemblies 406 secured within fiber optic shelf assembly 420 usingtwo furcation management structures each having multiple levels formounting clips 280′. Each clip 280′ can secure two furcation bodies 403,thereby doubling the density of the furcation bodies secured by eachfurcation management structure compared with clip 280. Each fiber opticcable assembly 406 includes twelve optical fibers with a singlemulti-fiber connector that is connected to a respective module so thatfiber optic shelf assembly supports up to 576 optical fiber connections.The number of furcation bodies secured by fiber optic shelf assembly 420can be varied by using different combinations of clips 280 and/or 280′,for instance, the number of secured furcation bodies can be reduced totwenty-four by substituting clips 280 for clips 280′.

FIG. 37 depicts another fiber optic shelf assembly 440 that is similarto fiber optic shelf assembly 420 by securing up to forty-eightfurcation bodies, but it has a higher connectivity (i.e., supporting upto 1152 optical fiber connections) compared with fiber optic shelfassembly 420. Simply stated, the density is double by doubling the fibercount within the fiber optic cable assembly 406. Fiber optic shelfassembly 440 includes a plurality of furcation management structures 422for securing a plurality of furcation bodies 403 of fiber optic cableassemblies 406. In this embodiment, fiber optic shelf assembly 420 has a4 U footprint (e.g., 12 trays each with 4 modules in 4 U footprint) withforty-eight fiber optic cable assemblies 406 secured within fiber opticshelf assembly 420 using two furcation management structures each havingmultiple levels for mounting clips 280′. Each fiber optic cable assembly406 includes twenty-four optical fibers with the furcated leg(s) 407having one or more a multi-fiber connectors connected with a respectivemodule, but other configurations are possible. Further, the number offurcation bodies and/or number of fiber optic connections can beincreased by adding more furcation management structures to the fiberoptic shelf assembly such as by mounting the furcation managementstructure to the top of the fiber optic shelf assembly or in othersuitable locations. By way of example, four furcation managementstructures disposed within fiber optic shelf assembly 420 allows forsecuring up to ninety-six furcation bodies within the same.

FIG. 38 depicts a top view of furcation management structure 422 havinga plurality of fiber optic cable assemblies 406 secured thereto using aplurality of clips 280. Furcation management structure 422 is used insuitable fiber optic shelf assemblies as disclosed herein and caninclude suitable mounting features similar to that illustrated withfurcation platform 356 in FIG. 30. Likewise, furcation managementstructure 422 has a plurality of apertures (not visible) similar toapertures 299 shown in FIG. 16E. For instance, furcation managementstructure 422 has twelve apertures for securing up to twelve clips in astaggered arrangement between rows as shown, thereby allowing the fiberoptic cables passage rearward out of the fiber optic shelf assembly.Furcation management structure 422 preferably has a relatively smallfootprint represented by a X-dimension and a Y-dimension as depicted. Byway of example, the X-dimension is about 190 millimeters and theY-dimension is about 235 millimeters, but the form-factor depends on thesize of the clips, spacing of clips, size of the furcation bodies, etc.Thus, other suitable dimensions are possible for the furcationmanagement structure. Likewise, the furcation management structure canhave other suitable mounting features, layouts, and/or constructions.For instance, the apertures for the clips may be formed directly in atop or bottom of the fiber optic shelf assembly, rather than being aseparate component. Moreover, the furcation management structure 422 mayhave any suitable size or shape to accommodate it within the fiber opticshelf assembly or have features for mounting it in other locations suchas on a rack.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forthherein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which theinvention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in theforegoing descriptions and the associated drawings. These modificationsinclude, but are not limited to, different types and sizes of fiberoptic equipment, fiber optic cables, furcated legs, furcation bodies,attachment features, and securing devices. Therefore, it is to beunderstood that the invention is not to be limited to the specificembodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments areintended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. It isintended that the present invention cover the modifications andvariations of this invention provided they come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents. Although specific terms areemployed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense onlyand not for purposes of limitation.

1. A fiber optic shelf assembly having at least one furcation managementstructure for securing up to twenty-four furcation bodies of respectivefiber optic cable assemblies within the fiber optic shelf assembly usinga plurality of clips.
 2. The fiber optic shelf assembly of claim 1,wherein the fiber optic shelf can support at least 144 optical fiberconnections per 1 U rack space.
 3. The fiber optic shelf assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the fiber optic shelf can support at least 288 opticalfiber connections per 1 U rack space.
 4. The fiber optic shelf assemblyof claim 1, wherein the fiber optic shelf is a 1 U shelf.
 5. The fiberoptic shelf assembly of claim 1, wherein the fiber optic shelf is a 4 Ushelf.
 6. The fiber optic shelf assembly of claim 1, wherein the fiberoptic shelf can accommodate mounting at least forty-eight furcationbodies within the fiber optic shelf.
 7. The fiber optic shelf assemblyof claim 1, wherein the fiber optic shelf can accommodate mounting atleast forty-eight furcation bodies within the fiber optic shelf with aone-to-one correspondence between at least forty-eight respectivemodules and the respective fiber optic cable assemblies.
 8. The fiberoptic shelf assembly of claim 1, further including a plurality offurcation management structures for securing the plurality of furcationbodies.
 9. The fiber optic shelf assembly of claim 1, the furcationmanagement structure having multiple levels for mounting the pluralityof furcation bodies.
 10. The fiber optic shelf assembly of claim 1,wherein the plurality of clips include keyhole members.
 11. The fiberoptic shelf assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of furcationbodies has an attachment feature integrally molded therein.
 12. Thefiber optic shelf assembly of claim 1, wherein some of the plurality ofclips can secure at least two furcation bodies of respective fiber opticcable assemblies.
 13. The fiber optic shelf assembly of claim 1, whereinthe fiber optic shelf supports at least one-hundred and forty-fouroptical fiber connections in a 1-U rack space.
 14. The fiber optic shelfassembly of claim 1, further comprising at least two furcation bodiesoppositely facing each other within the fiber optic shelf assembly. 15.A furcation management structure including a mounting surface suited forattaching at least twelve clips for securing at least twelve furcationplugs of respective fiber optic cable assemblies thereto, wherein thefurcation management structure is adapted for mounting within a fiberoptic shelf assembly.
 16. The furcation management structure of claim15, the furcation management structure having a plurality of mountingapertures that allow mounting of a clip in two different directions. 17.The furcation management structure of claim 15, forming a portion of afiber optic shelf assembly.